Language and Cultural Training Program

More Than 30 Years of Customizing Language Programs
You do not need to be a Detroit Mercy student to enroll.
Call 313-993-1102

Changing careers...traveling overseas...communicating in another language at work...
No matter why you want to achieve proficiency or fluency in another language,
University of Detroit Mercy’s Language & Cultural Training programs will get you there.

Since 1982, University of Detroit Mercy's Language & Cultural Training Program has been Metro Detroit's premier source for language training. We provide customized language programs for University of Detroit Mercy students and a variety of professionals:

We also offer training in Accent Reduction and American Business English.

More Than 30 Years of Customizing Language Programs
You do not need to be a Detroit Mercy student to enroll.
Call 313-993-1102

Corporate, Family and Private Classes

Program Content

Since 1982, the University of Detroit Mercy’s Language and Cultural Training Program has offered corporate, private, and community-based language instruction in and around the Detroit Metropolitan area. Our programs offer student-centered instruction in formats that are tailored to meet the needs of corporate and governmental employees, health care personnel, and a variety of community groups. Classes can occur either on or off campus, at the job site or community center, in one-to-one or group formats. Language classes are available in the following languages, and can run in traditional, business or health care formats:

Length of Instruction

Classes for nonacademic are individualized to meet specific timeframes and learning needs. Classes for academic credit are flexible with several semester-length options available.

Academic Credit (optional)

University academic credit (3 credit hours) is available with 36.5 or more contact hours. Students can elect to take the course for academic credit by completing a form for academic credit and by paying the non-refundable processing fee of $185 per course. Academic credit goes on a permanent transcript. Students can choose a letter grade or the pass/fail option.

Instructors

University of Detroit Mercy is a member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Aside from possessing native, near-native and professional-level fluency, our instructors are well-versed on the ACTFL scale and ILR scales and national standards for foreign language proficiency and cultural competency. University of Detroit Mercy's language instructors are committed to the University's excellence in educational delivery. Professional development is ongoing so instructors will continue to meet the dynamic needs of students.

Flexible Programs

Participants can learn languages for business, academic or personal pursuits. Other benefits of our program include:

Flexible scheduling and on-site training

Competitive rates

Employer tuition plan acceptance

One-on-one or small group instruction

Immersion training

Academic credit (optional)

Excellent Results

Ricardo Romero, former Attaché, U.S. Embassy - Sana’a, Yemen

My Arabic instructor taught the critical aspects of life abroad, those needed to properly function as an American diplomat. I am now better prepared to engage in international affairs on behalf of the United States of America than many seasoned diplomats. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to your department and the University for helping me to become a much better representative of the U.S.

Rhonda Okeke, Automotive Sales Manager

The University of Detroit Mercy’s Japanese program is the most advanced program that fits in with my work schedule. The instructors have taken a personal interest in my language training. They have done a great job preparing me for meeting with Japanese clients and adapting to Japanese business culture.

Rates

Additional Programs & Services

Cultural Training Seminars

Host a full-day, half-day or two-hour mini seminar at your workplace covering aspects of culture that are essential for business operations or travel abroad.

Select criteria from our business menu and customize a program that is tailored to meet your company's objectives, as well as your personal and professional needs. The following programs/locations are available:

Austria

Brazil

China

Croatia

Germany

Italy

Japan

Mexico

South Korea

And many more.

Programs are also available focusing on countries located throughout Africa and the Middle East, the European Union, Latin and South America.

K-12 Dual Enrollment Language Programs

Cultural Seminars
Students can observe a Japanese tea ceremony, participate in the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, learn the significance of Kwanzaa, or adapt a program to serve your school's needs. Great for in-house field trips!

Grades K-12 Give your child the advantage they need to succeed in the global marketplace! Introduce them to a new language and a open a world of opportunities! In addition to French, German, Italian and Spanish, University of Detroit Mercy teaches less commonly taught languages, such as Arabic, Croatian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and others. We customize classes based on grade level, proficiency and need. Classes can run in individual or group contexts.

Elementary & Middle School Grades
Let University of Detroit Mercy's language teachers give your children the solid foundation that supports proficiency -- and a lifetime love of language learning! Our instructors employ a variety of cognitive and kinesthetic techniques that are challenging, stimulating, developmentally appropriate, and that integrate benchmarks in other content areas at each grade level. Talk to students, their teachers and parents at Old Redford Academy, STARR Academy, and Madison Carver Elementary School -- where kindergarteners through 5th graders explore their world through a new cultural lens while they learn Spanish!

High School - Tutoring, College Credit or Dual Enrollment
Students at our partner schools achieve language fluency in the four skill areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) while taking coursework for college credit. High school students entering 11th-12th grades can pursue their coursework for dual academic credit.

Call to find out how your high school junior or senior can enroll in coursework for college credit. Go to University of Detroit Mercy's Dual Enrollment page for information and forms.

Congratulations to students at Bloomfield Hills High School, Hamtramck High School, Mercy High School, Shrine Catholic School, University of Detroit High School and other partner schools as you complete coursework for dual high school and college credit.

For Corporate and Community-based contexts on or off campus: Individual and small group classes can run at Detroit Mercy or at the job site by calling 313-993-1102.

For University of Detroit Mercy international students who have completed or tested out of ALCP courses: Individual or small group classes are available for Detroit Mercy'sinternational students who wish to improve their English language proficiency, while pursuing their academic majors. Courses can be created when needed during any part of term, Fall, Winter and Summer terms. Three academic credits are available. After completing a diagnostic, students will be placed according to competency needs in reading, writing, listening, speaking or combination of skill areas. Call 313-993-1191 to schedule diagnostic and to discuss student's schedule.

Language Course Offerings - level placement determined by Standard English Diagnostic proficiency test (testing appointments can be made by calling 313-993-1191 or 313-993-1102).

ESL Course Descriptions

1100/ Introductory ESL - Level I
No prerequisite-placement based on proficiency test.
An introduction to the English language including its sounds, writing system, vocabulary and structure. Students will experience the four skills of speaking, listening, writing and reading in a practical scenario with individualized attention. Emphasis will be placed on culture.

1110/Introductory ESL - Level II
Prerequisite ESL 1100 or equivalent (placement based on proficiency test).
A continuation of 1100 building upon previously-acquired language fluency and aimed at augmenting vocabulary and structure in a practical context. Increasing attention will be devoted to individual student practice and needs. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate level of English grammar. Culture will continue to be emphasized.

1120/Introductory ESL - Level III
Prerequisite ESL 1110 or equivalent (placement based on proficiency test).
A third level of language study permitting the student to utilize the target language in increasingly complex ways and in more rapid speech patterns. Culture will continue to be emphasized. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate level of English grammar.

1150/Introductory Business English - Level I
No prerequisite.
An introductory level of English designed to present students with the basics in speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing in the business context. Cultural business themes will be incorporated into instruction.

2100/Intermediate ESL - Level I
Prerequisite ESL 1120 or equivalent (placement based on proficiency test).
An intermediate level of English focusing on increased structural accuracy in speaking, listening , reading and writing. Students will be exposed to print and other media to improve proficiency in the four skill areas. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate level of English grammar.

2110/Intermediate ESL - Level II
Prerequisite ESL 2100 or equivalent (placement based on proficiency test).
A continuation of 2100 integrating past vocabulary and structures into new and more sophisticated forms of speaking and enhanced reading comprehension. Students will write cohesive summaries of material read or heard. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate level of English grammar.

2120/Intermediate ESL - Level III
Prerequisite ESL 2110 or equivalent (placement based on proficiency test).
A third intermediate level of English language study in which more complex forms of speaking, listening, reading and writing will be developed and reinforced through the use of a variety of materials and activities. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate level of English grammar.

By the conclusion of 2120, most of the language's critical structures will have been introduced or practiced. Students will demonstrate increased knowledge of the English language and its effect on the world.

2150/Intermediate Business - Level II
Prerequisite 1120, 1150 or equivalent.
This course is designed to improve the language skill area (speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing) in the business setting. Business cultural proficiency will be enhanced as well. Job-specific technical vocabulary is integrated into the curriculum.

3100/Advanced ESL - Level I
Prerequisite ESL 2120 or equivalent (placement based on proficiency test).
An advanced level of study of the English language in which students will combine learned elements. They will connect discourse on a variety of topics. They will read and demonstrate comprehension of longer prose of several paragraphs in length. They will demonstrate correct usage of many components of English grammar and will scaffold on that knowledge.

3110/Advanced ESL - Level II
Prerequisite ESL 3100 or equivalent (placement based on proficiency test).
This second level of advanced English language study will expose students to authentic situations to promote mastering listening and reading skills. Students will initiate and sustain conversations on practical, social, professional and abstract topics, hypothesize and support their opinions in spoken and written forms. They will continue to demonstrate correct usage of many components of English grammar and will continue to build on that knowledge.

3120/Advanced ESL - Level III
Prerequisite ESL 3110 or equivalent (placement based on proficiency test).
Students participating in this third level of advanced language study will exhibit pronounced accuracy in all four language skill areas and marked cultural proficiency. They will continuously expand vocabulary and master grammatical structures in order to communicate more effectively with others.

3150 Advanced Business English - Level III
Prerequisite ESL 2120, 2150 or equivalent (placement based on proficiency test).
An advanced level of business language study designed to increase precision in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Job-specific technical vocabulary is emphasized. Advanced cultural themes are an integral part of course themes and vocabulary.

3160 Accent Reduction
Prerequisite 3100 or equivalent.
Designed for students who want to improve their speaking and listening skills. Instruction focuses on subject matter comprehension, discussion, and the improvement of speech articulation and pronunciation. Where a need is indicated, academic and business presentations are included. Those in business learn to improve their oral presentation skills.

3950 Advanced Conversation - Part I
Prerequisite ESL 3120 or equivalent.
An advanced level of language study which focuses on improving participant's oral/aural proficiency by having them initiate and sustain dialogue in diverse subjects.

3950 Advanced Conversation - Part II
Prerequisite Advanced Conversation Part I.
A second level of advanced conversation designed to improve fluidity of speech and usage of the language. Student will demonstrate fluency of English language through dialogue with others broadening the scope of subject matter.

3980 Advanced Reading/Writing
Prerequisite 2120 or equivalent.
An advanced level of language in which selected short stories, poems and passages from contemporary literature are read, and comprehension of material is demonstrated through discussion.

3990 Advanced Culture (1 or 3 credits)
No prerequisite.
An advanced level of language in which selected short stories, poems and passages from contemporary literature are read, and comprehension of material is demonstrated through discussion.

Translation & Interpretation Services

Translation and interpretation services are available in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish.

Fees vary, depending on assignment, document type, length, due date and other factors.

Certificate in Language Studies - for Detroit Mercy Students

Certificates & Languages Available

University of Detroit Mercy offers a Certificate in Language Studies through the College of Liberal Arts & Education's Language and Cultural Training Department. Based on their entry level, students will be awarded a Certificate in Language Studies I (Introductory/Intermediate) or a Certificate in Language Studies II (Intermediate/Advanced) when they enroll in and complete 12 semester hours of language study with a grade of C or better. The Certificate may be earned by students enrolling in group or one-on-one mode, including the fixed-schedule evening program.

*Language placement test may be administered to determine entry point into the program. Placement credits may only be applied to the Level I certificate program.

Study Abroad Opportunities

University of Detroit Mercy provides several contexts for study, including exchange programs, semester-long programs and short-term, faculty-led study programs. Interested students should consult with the departments sponsoring the programs for mor e information. Visit the full list of study abroad opportunities on the University website.

Mission, Objectives & Student Learning Outcomes

Mission

University of Detroit Mercy's Language and Cultural Training Program prepares leaders in education and business to become global citizens. It aims to extend learning beyond existing social and professional challenges by equipping learners with the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language!

Membership

As a member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), our curriculum is aligned with -- and student learning outcomes are developed to correlate to -- the ACTFL scale for Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of language learning.

Curriculum Objectives and Outcomes (beginner)

The objectives and outcomes listed below apply to all languages.

Introductory I / 1100 (3 credits)
An introduction to the language includes learning sounds, writing system, vocabulary and structure. Students will experience the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in a practical scenario with individualized attention. Cultural business themes will be incorporated into instruction. At the conclusion of the Introductory/1100 course, students will be able to do the following:

reproduce the sound system of the target language and integrate these sounds into learned utterances.

use vocabulary for everyday manners and survival in both written and spoken form.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs: communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, economy, institutions, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.

Introductory II/ 1110 (3 credits)
A continuation of Introductory/1100, this course builds on previously acquired language fluency and aims at augmenting vocabulary and structure in a practical context. Increasing attention will be devoted to individual student practice and needs. Emphasis will continue to include culture. At the conclusion of the Introductory/1110 course, students will be able to do the following:

use the sound system effectively.

expand and use vocabulary regarding recurring events and functions in both written and spoken form.

demonstrate creative language use in response to spoken or written questions or directions in complete sentence form.

read and understand passages on a variety of familiar topics relating to basic personal and social needs.

take notes on spoken and written language pertaining to factual topics.

appreciate diversity through comparison of cultures.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs: communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics,institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.

Introductory III / 1120 (3 credits)
A third level of language permits the student to utilize the target language in increasingly complex ways and in more rapid speech patterns. Continued exposure to the cultural heritage of the native speakers of the language will be stressed.

At the conclusion of the Introductory/1120 course, students will be able to do the following:

integrate past vocabulary and structures into new and more complex communication.

communicate in casual conversations, and write more meaningful and sophisticated passages on topics including family, interests,
work, travel, and current events.

read and comprehend with reference aides, unedited, authentic materials such as texts, newspapers, and magazines.

comprehend most speech on familiar topics grasping main ideas and some relevant details.

perform successfully in some routine social situation.

appreciate diversity through comparison of cultures.

Introductory Business I / 1150 (3 credits)
No prerequisite required.
An introductory level of language designed to present students with the basics in speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing in a business context. Cultural business themes will be incorporated into instruction.

Curriculum Objectives and Outcomes (intermediate)

Intermediate I / 2100 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 1120 or equivalent.
An intermediate level of language focusing on increased structural accuracy in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will be exposed to unedited authentic materials (i.e., newspapers, books, movies, music, etc.) to improve proficiency in the four skill areas. They will gain an increased appreciation of cultural diversities.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 cs: communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, economy, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.

Intermediate II / 2110 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2100 or equivalent.
A continuation of Intermediate/2100 integrating past vocabulary and structures into new and more sophisticated forms of speaking and enhanced listening comprehension. Students will write cohesive summaries and resumes of material read or heard. Additionally, they will increase their understanding of the cultures of the countries in which the target language is spoken.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs: communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.

Intermediate III / 2120 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2110 or equivalent.
A third intermediate level of language study in which more complex forms of speaking, listening, reading and writing will be developed and reinforced through the use of a variety of course materials and classroom activities.

By the conclusion of Intermediate 2120, most of the language's critical structures will have been introduced and practiced. Students will demonstrate increased knowledge of the culture where the language is spoken and its effect on the world.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs: communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.

Intermediate Business II/2150 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 1120, 1150 or equivalent.
This course is designed to improve the language skill areas (speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing) in the business setting. Business cultural proficiency will be enhanced as well.

Curriculum Objectives and Outcomes (advanced)

Advanced I / 3100 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2120 or equivalent.
An advanced level of study in which students will create with the language by combining learned elements. They will understand details when listening to a spoken language, and connect discourse on a variety of topics. They will read and demonstrate comprehension of longer prose of several paragraphs in length. They will demonstrate a keen understanding of cultural differences between the presented countries and their own.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs: communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.

Advanced II / 3110 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 3100 or equivalent
This second level of advanced language study will expose students to authentic situations to promote mastering listening and reading skills. Students will initiate and sustain conversations on practical, social, professional and abstract topics, hypothesize and support their opinions in spoken and written forms. They will demonstrate detailed knowledge of the represented cultures.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs: communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, economy, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.

Advanced III / 3120 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 3110 or equivalent.
Students participating in this third level of advanced language study will exhibit pronounced accuracy in all four language skill areas and marked cultural proficiency. They will continuously expand vocabulary and master grammatical structures in order to communicate more effectively with native speakers not accustomed to dealing with foreigners.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs: communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.

Advanced Business III / 3150 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2120, 2150 or equivalent
An advanced level of business language study designed to increase precision and diminish Anglicisms in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Advanced cultural themes are an integral part of course themes and vocabulary.

Advanced Courses for Language Educators

Advanced Conversation / 3950 (1 or 3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2120 or equivalent.
An advanced level of language study which focuses on improving participants' oral/aural proficiency by having them initiate and sustain dialogue on diverse subjects pertaining to the represented cultures.

Advanced Reading/Writing / 3980 (1 or 3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2120 or equivalent.
An advanced level of language study in which selected short stories, poems and/or passages from contemporary literature are read and comprehension of material is demonstrated through discussion.

Student learning outcomes:

Level I:

At the conclusion of course level 2100, students should possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, demonstrating language competency in the following level-appropriate and in culturally-specific ways:

SPEAKING: Student participates in casual conversations and in practical contexts, using level-appropriate vocabulary for everyday manners and survival, recurring events and practical functions, exhibiting increased confidence in both rehearsed and impromptu settings.

LISTENING: Student understands and responds to simple spoken questions and/or directions, distinguishing level-appropriate dialectical differences, advancing in their ability to interpret basic information and adjusting to rapidity of the language.

WRITING: Student writes concise, logical and sophisticated passages on a variety of topics of interest and current events, creating compositions that demonstrate comprehensibility and accuracy in content, organization, vocabulary, construction, and mechanics.

READING: Students will read and comprehend simple written passages, reference aides, unedited, authentic materials (texts, newspapers, magazines, books) on a variety of topics relating to basic personal and social needs.

CULTURAL COMPETENCE: Students will perform successfully in brief but routine social situations because of their appreciation of diversity through comparison of cultures. At the conclusion of 2100, students will adhere to cultural conventions in presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication.

Student learning outcomes

Level II:

After completing four more semesters of the target language, students should possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, demonstrating language competency in the following level-appropriate and in culturally-specific ways:

SPEAKING:Student participates in more sophisticated conversations and in practical contexts, using level-appropriate vocabulary for everyday manners and survival, recurring events and practical functions, exhibiting increased confidence in impromptu settings and real-world contexts. Student is able to speak more rapidly and fluidly, reproducing the appropriate sounds of the language, and using multiple tenses when communicating.

LISTENING: Student understands and responds to a variety of questions, adjusting appropriately to the rapidity of the language, distinguishing dialectical differences, and advancing in their ability to interpret information as it is heard in real time.

WRITING: Student writes concise, logical and sophisticated passages on a variety of topics of interest and current events, creating compositions that demonstrate comprehensibility and accuracy in content, organization, vocabulary, construction, and mechanics, applying a variety of tenses in appropriate sentences, contexts, and constructs.

READING: Students will read and comprehend simple written passages, reference aides, unedited, authentic materials (texts, newspapers, magazines, books) on a variety of topics relating to basic personal and social needs.

CULTURAL COMPETENCE: Students will perform successfully in routine social situations because of their appreciation of diversity through comparison of cultures. Student will adhere to cultural conventions in presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal modes of communication.